UNEP’s OzonAction Asia-Pacific Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) team organized the Energy Efficiency Twinning Workshop for Montreal Protocol Officers, Energy Efficiency Policy Makers, and Financial Mechanisms Focal Points to Support Kigali Amendment Objectives alongside the Joint Network Meeting of South Asia and Southeast Asia National Ozone Officers.
Conducted on 20 – 21 May 2024, the Twinning Workshop focused on addressing how Article 5 countries can enhance the energy efficiency of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) appliances while phasing down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases, to maximize environmental benefits guided by the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in order to combat climate change. The workshop was attended by a total number of 54 participants (37 Male/17 Female).
The Twinning Workshop aimed at modeling a holistic approach for countries to promote sustainable/ green cooling that both integrates the gradual reduction in the consumption and production of HFCs and enhances energy efficiency in equipment using low-GWP alternatives to HFCs – through better national and regional policy coordination and involving key policymakers and financial partners.
“The Kigali Amendment presents us with a unique opportunity to lead by example, to demonstrate that economic development and environmental responsibility are mutually reinforcing. By adjusting national Montreal Protocol compliance programs to include energy-efficiency considerations, we can achieve a win-win scenario—a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a concurrent rise in energy savings and cost efficiencies.” – Mr. James Curlin, Head of Branch, UNEP OzonAction
Through the various sessions, relationships between National Ozone Officers and National Energy Efficiency Policymakers were strengthened. They discussed collaboration opportunities and challenges in aligning country plans with Kigali Amendment goals and national energy efficiency policies. Key themes that emerged from the discussions included: 1) clearly distinguishing roles and responsibilities of National Ozone Officers and Energy Efficiency Policymakers as well as a better understanding of existing policies related to energy efficiency and the Montreal Protocol for RAC appliances, 2) ensuring practical standards while collaborating with stakeholders, and 3) using National Cooling Action Plans as a roadmap for successful implementation of achieving cooling goals.Conducted on 22 – 24 May 2024, the Joint Network Meeting emphasized sharing experiences and progress while implementing the Montreal Protocol. The countries shared updates on key developments, best practices, and lessons learned, as well as identified areas of focus in 2024/2025, particularly ones that encourage south-south cooperation and leverage existing resources. The meeting was attended by a total number of 36 participants (22 Male/14 Female).
Major themes under discussion included the preparation for the upcoming HCFC and HFC reduction targets. Countries assessed their current HCFC consumption and readiness to meet the 2025 phase-out obligation. They also delved into developing Kigali Amendment Implementation Plans (KIPs), including strategies, timelines, and synergies between the HCFC phase-out and HFC phase-down – and how to minimize overlap and maximize efficiency.
While developing KIP proposals, countries agreed that the logical connection between strategy, impact, targets, and funding must be clear. There is also a need to ensure balance between Kigali Amendment compliance, sustainable economic growth, and sustainable development of key industries. Regulations and policies on targeted phase-down sectors should be developed to ensure sustainability. Lastly, regular consultation with key stakeholders and industries is critical to the success of the KIP development and implementation.
“This Joint Network Meeting is organized at the appropriate time for Article 5 countries to prepare themselves for parallel obligations of HCFC reduction and HFC freeze. The meeting enabled us to discuss south-south cooperation, networking, and identified assistance as part of CAP services. We would like to express our appreciation for UNEP Asia and Pacific Office in organizing the meeting with the relevant agenda topics.” – Ms. Suryanti Jumin, NOO Brunei DarussalamThe countries went on a tour of Midea’s R-290 air-conditioner production line and Exhibition Center in Shunde, Guangdong Province. The purpose of this visit was for the countries to learn more about one of the latest low-global-warming-potential and high-energy-efficiency alternative technologies to phase down HFCs.
UNEP CAP team expressed its sincere gratitude to the Government of China for their generous hospitality in hosting the meeting, workshop, and site visit. Resource partners who went above and beyond were the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, Ozone Secretariat, China Household Electrical Appliances Association, UNDP, UNIDO, World Bank, GIZ, UNEP’s U4E, and guest speakers and technical experts. Their active participation, thoughtful contributions, and collaborative spirit created a truly special environment for sharing insights and knowledge to help the countries foster collaboration and resource sharing and effectively implement the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.
The meeting and workshop were organized by UNEP OzonAction CAP, Asia and the Pacific Office in partnership with the Government of China as part of its approved 2024 Work Programme under the Multilateral Fund.
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